Notes from Colleen’s Desk: More Than Just a Field Trip

A few weeks ago, SOREDI facilitated its first Industry Tour of 2020. With 24 guests on board, educators  (Kevin Campbell, Eagle Point High School pictured) and SOREDI members alike, we learned  first hand about a few business nuggets in the Medford and White City area.

While these tours are familiar to SOREDI – our first tour was in September 2009  – there is always something new to learn as we venture out. Rain or shine, we have the privilege of connecting with some stellar business owners, doing some interesting and challenging work in our region. Fortunately for this group, we managed to avoid the rain – which promptly started as we left our last stop!

This particular tour began at the Rogue Valley International Airport – Medford – where we took the back stage tour to learn how all that luggage is sorted, sized, and sent on its way. And then we boarded a bus “inside the fence” to pay quick visits to the Jet Center, Erickson, and MillionAir.

Back on our Bravo Tour vans, we headed north on the freeway, and soon arrived for a deep dive into the trucking industry at Combined Transport’s Central Point  location, where over 50 trucks await qualified drivers. We climbed in and out of one particular truck  – most of which retire at about 500,000 miles – to discover how technology is making the transportation industry more efficient, effective, and comfortable for drivers.

After a lunch stop at Apple Peddler in White City, we made our way to Linde Electronics & Gases where 14 different industrial gasses are packaged for companies around the world.  One of five US plants, the Medford plant, has been expanding consistently since it opened  over 20 years ago. Today, the company employs 60 on-site and supports another 15 corporate administration personnel.

Lastly, we made our way back to Medford for a stop at Brill Metal Works – a Medford based employer since 1928! Originally located on West Main Street for many years, the company has grown dramatically and continues to consider its next expansion plans, even as I write. Mark Misener (pictured), is a classic example of the way a junior in high school engaged with a local company at an early age, cleaning up the shop and growing with the company, to become its owner and chief advocate.

These industry tours are truly more than just a field trip for all those who attend. We learn about opportunities that exist right here in Southern Oregon for employment and meaningful work. We network with one another and discuss creative ideas. And we learn of other businesses – that are coming or have gone. True story for me … I learned that a company that had been featured on that first industry tour, has closed… it is always a frustrating moment to learn that our region has lost a business.

Having  grown up right here in the region, I vividly recall how so many youth in my high school days felt there were no careers waiting for them in this region. These sentiments still seem to hold a grip on many and we need to change this narrative. The diversity of businesses in this region is outstanding! We can all be more intentional in discovering all that they have to offer and sharing this message with our emerging workforce.

Industry tours are just one way to engage. SOREDI and other partners are working hand in hand to educate students, teachers, parents and the community alike about great careers. The Business Education Partnership (BEP) is one such example of collaobration that began with industry tours  just a few years ago – and now the BEP is leading a summer internship program. Other partners, like Youth Pathways  in Josephine County has developed a school-year internship program. And of course in the last year we developed SOREDI Quest – a web-based scavenger hunt that educates students about the companies in our region.

There is more to be done. You can be part of the narrative by sharing with young and old alike that our region has much to offer. Let me offer a few ways to do that:

• Learn about businesses right here by reading about the 50 or so business profiles that are on our website here: https://soredi.org/focus/relocate/southern-oregon-edge/
• Own a business? Become engaged in consortia such as the Rogue Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, the upcoming Tech Tour in April, or the BEP. There are many efforts underway – let us know what you need and we will help connect you.
• Attend a LAUNCH|Talk. The next networking and education event for entrepreneurs is March 4 at the new Medford Coworking Space in downtown Medford. You need not wait though – it is open now – https://www.medfordcowork.com/
• Support SOREDI and the complimentary services we offer by becoming a member and enjoying the membership privilege of attending an industry tour. There is one planned just around the corner!

See you on the next field trip!

Colleen Padilla, Executive Director